2018 Durham Region Ontario BioBlitz Events

Since 2012, the Ontario BioBlitz program has presented a single event annually, and shared the details of other events happening around the province. In 2018, we're doing things a little different!

For the first time, we are planning and presenting multiple bioblitz events run by the Ontario BioBlitz team. These events will take place across the Durham Region, and will be bookended by the Lynde Creek Watershed BioBlitz in May, and the Duffins Creek BioBlitz in September. Smaller "mini-blitzes" and workshops are being planned throughout the summer. You can find them listed below as details are confirmed.

All summer, from May 11 to September 23, anyone visiting, living, or travelling through the Durham Region, can contribute to our iNaturalist project, and join us in being citizen scientists. Click our project link below to join the project and add your own observations!

Durham Region | Summertime Mini-Blitz Events

Different groups of species have their peak occurrences at different times of the year. To capture this data, we are working with our partners to offer mini blitz events all summer. These are smaller events with narrower focus, sometimes just one group, so pick and choose your favourites and come out to learn more about local biodiversity across Durham Region!

June 9, 2018 | Intensive Mammal Blitz

It was too cold for the mammals team to survey species during the May 12-13 event, so in an experts-only mini-blitz, they are returning to Heber Down Conservation Area to see what mice, voles, shrews, bats, and other mammals they can find!

June 22-23, 2018: Things with Wings Mini-Blitz

Migration season is over for birds, and the species who stick around the area are settling in to breed and nest. It's the perfect time to observe these resident birds, and other animals that fly! Join Bird Studies Canada's Jody Allair and our Ontario BioBlitz team for a couple evening workshops Friday night from 7pm-11pm. We will also listen for bats and set up a moth trap to visit with the creatures of the night in Heber Down Conservation Area. On Saturday morning, we'll release any moths left in the trap at 7:30am, and head out at 8am on walks to survey birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. We will survey in Heber Down, as well as Cranberry Marsh down on the shores of Lake Ontario near Lynde Creek Conservation Area. Register HERE via Eventbrite!

July 5, 2018: Bats in Your Backyard

Can't get enough of bats? NEITHER CAN WE! Join us at the Claremont Field Centre with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority from 8:00pm to 11:00pm to check out the night life in the Duffins Creek watershed. Click here for more info + registration!

July 10, 2018: Ontario Power Generation's Tuesdays on the Trail w/ TRCA

Join us at Alex Robertson Park in Pickering for a series of workshops all about the biodiversity we can find in the Durham Region! Explore local birds, pollinators, trees, and pond-dwelling creatures with help from experts from Ontario BioBlitz and the TRCA. This event is free and takes place in two 2-hour sessions, one at 10am and one at 1pm

2018 MINI BLITZ Citizen Science events w/ TRCA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 | Bats & Moths Greenwood Conservation Area | 8pm - 9:30pmJoin us for an evening walk as we become citizen scientists and learn about the world of bats and moths. We will use a special bat detector and set up a moth trap to learn about local bats and moths and why they are important to our communities.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12| Pond Study Rotary Park, Ajax | 6pm - 7:30pmLearn about life in the pond as we use dip nets to catch some amazing invertebrates. With the help of experts we will identify and then release them back into the water.